DTM finale 2025 in Hockenheim: The title contenders’ comments
- The countdown is on for the big DTM finale at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg from October 3 to 5.
- The 2025 DTM title fight is more thrilling than ever – nine drivers are still within striking distance.
- Given the ever-changing dynamics in the standings, none of the title contenders are daring to look into a crystal ball.
One thing is already clear ahead of the big DTM showdown on the first weekend of October at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg: nothing is certain! Who will ultimately wear the crown of the 2025 DTM Champion after a high-drama season is completely open. No fewer than nine drivers, representing five different manufacturers, are separated by just 29 points in the overall standings – well within the 56 points still up for grabs at the final weekend.
Predictions for the outcome of the last two races of the year – taking place on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. – are almost pointless. Traditionally, the two qualifying sessions will be crucial, as the drivers have only 20 minutes to nail the perfect lap and secure a spot at the front of the grid. Given the extremely tight performance levels – with all 24 GT3 cars usually within one second of each other in qualifying – the starting position is often decisive for the race result.
Climbing through the pack amid a field of nearly equally fast 550-horsepower cars is notoriously difficult. While the Hockenheimring does offer overtaking opportunities – one reason why the 4.5-kilometre Grand Prix track is so popular among fans and drivers alike – the competition remains fierce.
All DTM drivers are predicting a racing spectacle of the highest order for the finale. From the pool of title contenders, we asked the top-ranked driver of each brand for their personal outlook on the final DTM race weekend of the year.
Lucas Auer (AT / Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf / Mercedes-AMG GT3, 171 points)
“We come to Hockenheim as the overall leaders, so our title chances are definitely intact, and our goal is clear. But when it comes to the balance of power and our strengths, there are so many variables involved that we simply have to wait and see how things unfold during the race weekend. Overall, the anticipation is huge. The Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf and I are ready for the title fight. I really like the Hockenheimring – it provides a worthy setting for the conclusion of a truly great season. The Grand Prix circuit always delivers exciting races. It’s going to get intense. I’m really looking forward to it!”
Jordan Pepper (ZA / TGI Team Lamborghini by GRT / Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO, 164 points)
“With only seven points behind, I feel we have a very good chance. We’ll have to wait and see about the balance of performance, as the final adjustments haven’t been published yet. Normally, Hockenheim is a good track for all GT3 cars, so I expect some fierce battles. Our strength this season has been qualifying. Plus, the team has been delivering fantastic pit stops lately, which will be really valuable. I know what I need to do on track and will stay true to myself. The Hockenheimring is a fantastic circuit – I especially enjoy the technically demanding third sector. It’s incredibly satisfying when you nail the Motodrom.”
René Rast (DE / Schubert Motorsport / BMW M4 GT3, 160 points)
“I already won a DTM title in 2017 when I came into the finale even further behind than now. So, we believe in our chance. The competition at Hockenheim is always very close – everyone will be strong. We need to keep an eye on all of them. One advantage for me is that we have experience in title fights. My engineer and I have battled for championships several times. The whole team has shown mental strength in the past. One of our strengths is focusing on the essentials and maximizing our package. I really enjoy racing at Hockenheim, especially at the season finale, which always has a unique atmosphere. And in the past, we’ve had reasons to celebrate there from time to time…”
Ayhancan Güven (TR / Manthey EMA / Porsche 911 GT3 R, 154 points)
“I see good chances for us, but on the other hand, there are nine drivers with a shot at the title. Since I can’t really influence the balance of performance, I try not to think about it too much. All the frontrunners are strong, and this season has had so many twists that the standings often looked completely different after a weekend. Our strengths are race management and strong performance in wet or mixed conditions. We’re preparing meticulously for the finale and also did some testing at Hockenheim. I like the track. We were on the podium there last year, and I’d love to build on that positive experience.”
Jack Aitken (GB / Emil Frey Racing / Ferrari 296 GT3, 150 points)
“Unfortunately, our gap is bigger than it was before the Spielberg weekend. After a very consistent first half of the season, we’ve left a lot of points on the table in the second half. But we’re still within striking distance. I’ll try to get the maximum out of the finale, score big points, and hopefully win races. I think our strength lies in our pace, especially in qualifying. We sometimes struggle a bit more in the race itself – for example, with overtaking. That makes it even more important to start from the front. I really like the Hockenheimring – I’ve raced and won there in both Formula and GT cars. The track offers a great mix of different corners and some solid overtaking opportunities. Racing there is always a lot of fun.”
Exciting Support Program On and Off the Track
Title decisions will also be made in all support series at the season finale on the 4.5-kilometre Grand Prix circuit near Heidelberg, guaranteeing action before and after the DTM races. The ADAC GT Masters, ADAC GT4 Germany, Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland, and the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine will each host a race on both Saturday and Sunday – giving motorsport fans a full day of racing action.
And off the track, there’s plenty of entertainment as well. The DTM Fan Zone offers a wide range of attractions: entertainment, interviews, shows, music, autograph sessions with the drivers, a ball pit for the little ones, and much more. Music lovers will also get their money’s worth. On Saturday evening (October 4) from 7 p.m., shooting star Kamrad and the legendary H-Blockx will perform live on the “DTM Powerstage presented by Pirelli” behind the South Grandstand (Block A area). Entry to both concerts is free for all DTM ticket holders.
Ticket prices for the DTM finale remain family-friendly. Tickets are available starting at just €49 via the ticket shop on the website www.dtm.com.
Image: ADAC Motorsport
